Thomas Joseph Houlahan, 79, of Stuart, FL, died peacefully at his home on December 14, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New York, NY on March 2, 1937 and grew up in Mount Vernon and Eastchester. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James and Evelyn (Browne) Houlahan, and siblings, Evelyn (Houlahan) Callahan and Joan (Houlahan) McGrath. Tom was a graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History in 1959 from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He enlisted in the Marine reserves during college and graduated from boot camp at MCRD, Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation from The Citadel, Tom was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. The Corps issued him a wife, 2nd Lt. Mary Jean Knapp, USMC, who was his XO for fifty years. He served his nation honorably for ten years, including two combat tours of duty in Vietnam in 1964-65 and 1968-69 as an aerial observer and company commander. Tom was Director of Human Resources at United Parcel Service in Charlotte, NC, and Jackson, MS; Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendoff and Stuart Hall in Kansas City, MO; Operations Director at Brandon Hall College Preparatory School in Atlanta, GA; HR Recruiter at NCCI in Boca Raton, FL; security officer at Jupiter Medical Center and security officer and concierge at The Carlisle Senior Living Community in Lantana, FL until March, 2016. He was a member of The Citadel Alumni Association, The Knights of Columbus-Council 6241, The Marine Corps League-Cpl. Justin Wilson Detachment, and The USS Galveston Association. In addition to his wife, the oncology nurse navigator at Delray Medical Center, Tom is survived by his children, LTC James Houlahan, USA (Ret.) of El Paso, TX, Col. Patrick Houlahan, USMC (Sarah) of San Diego, CA, and Capt. Sharon Houlahan, USMC of Newport, RI; grandchildren, Kelly and Ryan Houlahan of San Diego, CA, and Erin, Sean, Riana and Ian Houlahan of El Paso, TX: brothers-in-law, John Callahan and Ted McGrath; and many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, family and friends. Tom is remembered for his strength of character and his clever wit. His reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, love of country, and an undying love for his bride, Mary Jean, was unparalleled. “Knowing your Marines and looking out for their well-being” was a mission that Tom lived during his military service and his life. He was a stellar father, coach, husband, and mentor to all who knew him. He loved his dogs and Florida wildlife. Calling hours will be Monday, December 19, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Aycock Young and Prill Funeral Home, 6801 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34997. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 20, at 11:30 am at St. Andrew Church, 2100 SE Cove Rd, Stuart, FL 34997. Interment will follow at the South Florida National Cemetery at 6501 N State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449. Guests will be received at home following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Lake Worth, FL, National Right to Life or Treasure Coast Hospice Veterans Program. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston
Posted in: Post and Courier
Posted on: 2016-12-19
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-houlahan&pid=183120443&fhid=10588#sthash.AgUZ6uDa.dpuf